Exercise apparatus

ABSTRACT

An exercise apparatus for exercising with an infant, the exercise apparatus including: an infant retaining portion for retaining the infant; and a linking portion extending from the infant retaining portion, the linking portion configured to link the infant retaining portion to a user, wherein the linking portion permits the user, when linked, to hold the weight of the retained infant with their hands at a distance away from the users body, the distance being such that the arms of the user are substantially extended.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for exercising with an infant.

BACKGROUND

For many women, having a baby is the most notable life-changing event they will ever experience. Adjusting to this major life change, as well as coping with the day-to-day stress of a new baby, can make some women more likely to experience depression at this time. Postnatal depression is depression that a woman experiences in the months after the birth of her baby and it affects almost 16 percent of women giving birth in Australia.

In some instances, new mothers have trouble finding and creating a comfortable, lively relationship with their new-born. Having a child can be very daunting for many new mothers and leads them to create secluded, nervous, intimidating relationships and connections with their children.

It is thought that close connection in the early stages of life stimulates the infants' feelings and trust towards their mother. This enables the infant to evolve and grow stronger, happier, healthier, more confident and more intellectually aware of their surroundings. The special connections that children experience early in life are also thought to help them to absorb emotions and develop positive perceptions of their physical, emotional and social surroundings.

The foundation of healthy and positive relationships between a mother and their child is built and fortified during the early stages of motherhood. A crucial concept in the creation of these strong relationships is the bonding experience between mother and child. In today's high paced society, mothers can be time poor and the building of spirited, beneficial relationships between the mother and child can be a difficult goal to achieve.

Exercise and physical activity is an important concept in achieving great health, positivity, building relationships and an overall good body and figure. New mothers like to train and get fit after having a child. Being a mum is a huge challenge and being a genuinely happy, composed mother is not easy either. Getting fit is extremely beneficial to keeping healthy and happy during these major changes.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one broad form the present invention provides an exercise apparatus for exercising with an infant, the exercise apparatus including:

an infant retaining portion for retaining the infant; and

a linking portion extending from the infant retaining portion, the linking portion configured to link the infant retaining portion to a user,

wherein the linking portion permits the user, when linked, to hold the weight of the retained infant with their hands at a distance away from the users body, the distance being such that the arms of the user are substantially extended.

In one preferred form, if the infant is released from the hands of the user, the linking portion, at maximum extension, suspends the retained infant from the body of the user safely above an exercise surface.

In a further preferred form, the maximum extension of the linking portion is adjustable.

Preferably, the exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 1 wherein the linking portion allows the infant retaining portion to be moved from a retracted position, close to the body of the user, to an extended position, away from the body of the user.

Also preferably, the linking portion includes an elastic portion to increase the resistance associated with movement of the infant retaining portion.

In a further preferred form, the linking portion is formed of strapping, the strapping being arrangeable about the torso of the user.

Preferably, the linking portion is formed of two elongate straps.

Also preferably, the elongate straps include an elastic portion arranged adjacent to a non elastic portion, the non-elastic portion being adjustable to limit the extension of the elastic portion.

In a further broad form the present invention provides a method for safely exercising with an infant, the method including the steps of:

placing the infant within in the infant retaining portion of an exercise apparatus defined by any one of the preceding claims,

fastening the linking portion to a user,

moving the retained infant with hands of the user.

In a further broad form the present invention provides use of an exercise apparatus according to any one on the preceding claims for exercising with an infant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Examples of the present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exercise apparatus in disassembled form according to one example;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in assembled form;

FIGS. 3 is a perspective view of the apparatus of FIG. 1 in assembled form with strap loops tightened; and

FIG. 4 shows an example of the exercise apparatus in use by mother and infant;

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the exercise apparatus;

FIG. 6 shows an example of how the apparatus may be used as an infant carrier wherein the infant is held on the chest of the user;

FIG. 7 shows an example of how the apparatus can be adjusted into an infant carrier that retains the infant in a breastfeeding position; and

FIG. 8 shows how the apparatus may be used as a back carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present invention provide an exercise apparatus for exercising with an infant. The exercise apparatus includes an infant retaining portion for retaining the infant and a linking portion extending from the infant retaining portion, the linking portion configured to link the infant retaining portion to a user. The linking portion permits the user, when linked, to hold the weight of the retained infant with their hands at a distance away from the user's body, the distance being such that the arms of the user are substantially extended.

FIGS. 1 to 3 illustrate one embodiment of an exercise apparatus (1) according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows the exercise apparatus (1) in disassembled form. The apparatus includes an infant retaining portion (2) shaped to fit and retain an infant when assembled. The infant retaining portion is typically formed of a strong flexible material and includes a series of fasteners. To retain an infant, the material portion (3) is wrapped or folded around the infant and the fasteners are engaged to thereby provide limb receiving openings (4, 5) as shown in FIGS. 2 and 3. By engaging with the limbs of the, infant, the infant is securely retained with the infant retaining portion (2). FIG. 4 illustrates an infant retained in the infant retaining portion.

To assemble the infant retaining portion, a first set of male clip parts (11 a, 11 b) are engaged with a corresponding first set of female clip parts (12 a, 12 b) thereby providing limb receiving openings (4 a, 4 b) to receive the infant's legs. Arm receiving openings (5 a, 5 b) are then provided by the engagement of a second set of male clip parts (13 a, 13 b) with a second set of female clip parts (14 a, 14 b). With arms and legs in place the infant should be securely retained in the infant retaining portion (2).

Two elongate straps (6, 7) extend from the infant retaining portion (2) such that the infant retaining portion can be linked to a user (for example the mother of the infant). A third set of male clip parts (15 a, 15 b) are positioned at a distance along each of the elongate straps (6, 7). Engagement of the third set of male clip parts (15 a, 15 b) with a corresponding third set of female clip parts (16 a, 16 b) located on the infant retaining portion, is such that loops are provided by the straps. The loops can be arranged around the body of a user to link the infant retaining portion (2) to the user. It should be noted that straps (6, 7) are typically crossed over and threaded through a cross over member (18), most clearly seen in FIGS. 2 and 3.

The embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 utilises fastening clips that snap engage. It will be appreciated that other fasteners/methods of fastening may be used to assemble the apparatus, such as, for example, hook and loop technology. Also, knots could be tied between relevant material or strapping. It will be appreciated that in some embodiments, to provide a more secure fit for the infant, a combination of fasteners/methods could be used together. For example snap engaging clips could be used in combination with hook and loop technology.

Excess strapping beyond the third set of male clip parts (15 a, 15 b) may be arranged into an auxiliary loop by engaging auxiliary male clip part (17 a) with auxiliary female clip part (17 b). The auxiliary loop can be positioned around the waist of the user.

Once wearing the apparatus (1) and having an infant retained therein, there is some slack in the straps (6, 7) such that the infant can be held by the hands of the user at a distance from the user such that there arms are substantially extended. This permits the user to utilise the weight of the infant to perform weight bearing/resistance exercise, similar to the way these exercises are performed conventionally with free weights (e.g. dumbbells). For example, the infant may be moved toward and away from the user in a chest press or shoulder press motion.

Furthermore, should the infant be dropped by the user, the maximum extension of the strapping loops is such that the infant will not hit the ground but rather be suspended from the user above the ground or exercise surface.

It will be appreciated that the maximum extension of the strapping loops may be adjustable, to accommodate a users reach or height. In the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, this is accomplished by buckles (8, 9, 10) positioned along the length of the straps and/or as part of fastening clips. Comparing FIGS. 2 and 3 it can be seen how the loops are tighter in FIG. 3 and how the strapping may be adjusted to accommodate a person with shorter reach/height.

To further increase the resistance of exercises performed by the user, the straps (6, 7) may include elasticised portions. FIGS. 1 to 3 shows elasticised portion (19 a, 19 b, 20 a, 20 b) incorporated as part of the straps. The elasticised portions may also be arranged in combination with a non elastic portion of strapping such that extension of the elasticised portion is restricted. For example, in FIG. 2 it can be seen that non-extendible strapping portions (21 a, 21 b) are adjusted using buckles (8 a, 8 b) to restrict extension of elasticised portions (19 a, 19 b). Conversely, FIG. 3 shows the non-extendible portions (21 a, 21 b) slackened using buckles (8 a, 8 b) to allow some elastic extension of the elasticised portions. If an infant is dropped by the user, the non-extendible portions can help to stop the infant bouncing/bungeeing out of control.

FIG. 5 shows a further embodiment of the exercise apparatus/infant carrier. This embodiment includes further non extendable portions (22 a, 22 b) to restrict the extension of elastic portions (20 a, 22 b). Furthermore an additional strap (23) and buckle (24) is included for tightening/loosening the crotch region of the infant retaining portion (2) such that the infant is securely retained.

Also shown in FIG. 5 are additional resistance elastics (26) that may be engaged/disengaged as required to increase/decrease the difficulty of exercises when using the apparatus. Engagement of the additional resistance elastics may be by hook and loop fasteners or other means. The additional resistance elastics (26) may also be completely removable from the apparatus.

The cross over member (27) of FIG. 5 includes padding to increase comfort for the user. Typically, the infant retaining portion and straps may also include padding to increase comfort for the user and infant.

It will also be appreciated the exercise apparatus may be arranged on the user such that it may be used as an infant carrier. By appropriate positioning and tightening of the straps, the apparatus may hold the infant against the user's chest (either facing inwards or outwards), against the users back (as, a back carrier) or in a breastfeeding position. Typically, to be used as an infant carrier, the straps would be adjusted using buckles (8, 9, 10) such that the infant retaining portion is held close to the body of the user.

For example, utilising the Example of FIG. 1 or 5. If a user wanted to have an infant carried against their chest, the user would take the apparatus in disassembled form and place the elongate straps (6, 7) over their shoulders. Male clip parts 15 a and 15 b would then be clipped to engage with female clip parts 16 b and 16 a respectively such that the straps cross over on the users back, through the crossover member (18, 27). Buckles (8, 9) on the shoulder straps are then drawn tight such that the infant retaining portion is retained close to the body of the user. The excess strapping extending beyond the third set of male clip parts 15 a and 15 b is pulled around the waist of the user and clip part 17 a engages the clip part 17 b. The buckle (10) associated therewith is drawn tight to secure fastening of the apparatus to the user. To assemble the infant retaining portion (2) clip parts 11 a and 11 b would engage with clip parts 12 a and 12 b, and clip parts 13 a and 13 b would engage with corresponding clip parts 14 a and 14 b. (See FIGS. 6A to 6D).

The infant could then be placed in the infant retaining portion (2) facing inwards, towards, the user, or facing outwards, away from the user. When the infant faces away from the user, the user may fold over head support (28) such that the infant can breathe and see clearly. (See FIG. 6E)

When the infant is in the inward facing position, the apparatus may be easily adjusted into a breast feeding position by unfastening or loosening clip parts 13 a or 13 b depending on the preferred side of feeding.

In an alternate arrangement, the exercise apparatus may be adjusted into a back carrier. For example, when requiring the apparatus as a back carrier, the infant retaining portion would first be constructed by engaging clip parts 11 a and 11 b with clip parts 12 a and 12 b, and engaging clip parts 13 a and 13 b with clip parts 14 a and 14 b. After positioning the infant retaining portion behind the user, straps 6 and 7 would be pulled over the shoulders of the user from behind, to the front of the user before clip parts 15 a and 15 b are engaged with clip parts 16 a and 16 b (respectively) at the user's waist. The excess strapping portions beyond clip parts 15 a and 15 b could then be brought from behind the user to in front, and engaged together by securing clip part 17 a with clip part 17 b. Buckles (8, 9, 10) could then be tightened to ensure secure fitting to the user. An infant would then be placed into the infant retaining portion and held securely on the user's back. (See FIG. 8).

In using the exercise apparatus; a mother can incorporate physical amusement for her child into her exercise routine. Furthermore psychological moments between herself and her child are encouraged.

In addition to toning, strengthening, getting fit, reaching weight loss goals and maintaining physical health, the apparatus allows a mother to enjoy special moments with her child. Both the child and mother will develop a strong relationship and trust foundation. This is going to help both mother and baby to grow together emotionally and physically.

The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or admission or any form of suggestion that the prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” or “comprising”, will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps.

Finally, it is to be understood that various alterations, modifications and/or additions may be incorporated into the various constructions and arrangements of parts without departing from the spirit or ambit of the invention. 

1-15. (canceled)
 16. An exercise apparatus for exercising with an infant on an exercise surface, the exercise apparatus including: an infant retaining portion for retaining an infant; and a linking portion extending from the infant retaining portion, the linking portion configured to engage the torso of a user such that the infant retaining portion is linked, hands free, to the user, wherein the linking portion is adjustable to a length which allows the infant retaining portion to be moved by the user, with their hands, between a retracted position, close to the body of the user, and an extended position, away from the body of the user, wherein, in the extended position, the arms of the user are substantially extended, the user thereby permitted to exercise by moving a retained infant between the retracted and extended positions safely, as, in the case of accidental release of the retained infant from the hands of the user, the linking portion is functional to suspend the retained infant from the body of the user, safely above the exercise surface.
 17. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the linking portion includes an elastic portion to increase the resistance associated with movement of the infant retaining portion between the retracted and extended positions.
 18. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the linking portion is formed of strapping, the strapping being arrangeable about the torso of the user.
 19. The exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the linking portion is formed of two elongate straps, to be looped about the torso of the user.
 20. The exercise portion as claimed in claim 19, wherein the elongate straps each include an elastic portion arranged adjacent to a non elastic portion, the non-elastic portion being adjustable to limit the extension of the elastic portion.
 21. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the linking portion is reducible in length such that the infant retaining portion is held near to the body of the user.
 22. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the apparatus is useable as an infant carrier.
 23. An exercise apparatus as claimed in claim 16, wherein the apparatus is adjustable such that the infant retaining portion is positionable on the user's back, chest or in a breastfeeding position.
 24. A method for safely exercising with an infant, the method including the steps of: placing the infant within in the infant retaining portion of an exercise apparatus defined by any one of the preceding claims; fitting the linking portion to the torso of a user; and moving the retained infant.
 25. Use of an exercise apparatus according to claim 16, for exercising with an infant.
 26. An infant carrier that is adjustable between an infant carrying configuration and a breastfeeding configuration.
 27. An infant carrier as claimed in claim 26, wherein the carrier is adjustable between the infant carrying position and the breastfeeding position whilst an infant is held therein. 